Hawaiʻi County Preserves Kawainui Makai Coastal Property

81-acre site with pebble beach and estuary secured through $6.2 million PONC program purchase

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Hawaiʻi County has purchased an 81-acre property known as Kawainui Makai on the Hilo-Hāmākua coast for $6.2 million through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) program. The property features a pebble beach and well-preserved estuary, offering recreational, cultural, and fishing access along the coast. The County is exploring stewardship opportunities with community partners to manage the site.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Kawainui Makai preserves an important coastal area in Hawaiʻi that was previously at risk of development. The PONC program allows the County to acquire properties that protect natural resources and provide public access to beaches, mountains, and culturally significant sites.

The details

Kawainui Makai is located in the ahupuaʻa of Kawainui and Onomea, and is the first PONC purchase to occur in the North-South Hilo area. Prior to the County's purchase, the property had been listed for sale, putting it at risk of being developed. Following the acquisition, the County is exploring stewardship opportunities with partners, such as the Makahanaloa Fishing Association, to ensure the site's management is led by the community.

  • Hawaiʻi County purchased the 81-acre Kawainui Makai property on January 27, 2026.

The players

Hawaiʻi County

The local government of the island of Hawaiʻi, which purchased the Kawainui Makai property through its Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) program.

Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC)

A program run by Hawaiʻi County that acquires properties to preserve historically or culturally important sites, protect natural resources, and provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation and education.

Makahanaloa Fishing Association

A community organization that Hawaiʻi County is exploring stewardship opportunities with to manage the Kawainui Makai property.

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What they’re saying

“The acquisition of Kawainui Makai is an important step in preserving our island's natural resources and providing public access to our beautiful coastline.”

— Mayor Kimo Alameda

What’s next

Hawaiʻi County will continue to work with community partners like the Makahanaloa Fishing Association to develop a stewardship plan for the management of the Kawainui Makai property.

The takeaway

The preservation of the Kawainui Makai property demonstrates Hawaiʻi County's commitment to protecting the island's natural resources and providing public access to culturally and environmentally significant areas along the coast.